SEASON F/W 2018
MIGRATION It’s not quite Fall, but it’s not quite Winter. The sun hangs around long enough to melt falling snow on a brisk day. A sort of in between period where not only are the animals migrating, but people are too. Students return home for winter break and the locals come out to reclaim their town. It is Migration season. Reaching out to nature and all of its inhabitants in their time of transition, Migration is an idea everyone can relate to. Young adults, moving from college to the workplace, or moving across the sea to immerse themselves in a new culture. Immigrants, seeking asylum in a country where everything is supposed to be possible, facing fear instead of freedom. Generations, as the Baby Boomers watch while the biggest retail companies of their time are forced to change for Millennials, or risk shutting their doors forever. Your favorite holiday, over the top and stuffed to the brim with family from every corner of the Earth. And Mother Earth, crumbling in front of our eyes as very few companies are loyal and transparent in their efforts of preservation. Migration seeks to tell all of these stories before they fade away, into the cold, into winter.
SEASON itself is even going through a period of Migration currently. As the new Editor in Chief, I am happy to introduce myself and this issue in an era of transition. SEASON is going back-to-basics with stylization, bringing attention to the heart of the content so many have worked to produce. It features a return to last edition, as restructuring begins. Migration acts as a segue between this semester’s Fall “Day to Night” and next semester’s arrival of a new Winter issue. While SEASON has faced new challenges throughout this restructuring, we prevailed and are stronger than ever, ready to keep writing and sharing our minds with you. The group of people who worked on this issue are some of the most hard-working and passionate individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. It is truly an honor to lead them and watch them grow every day while doing something we all love. So this issue is dedicated to them, as they lead the Migration within SEASON, taking us above and beyond what we ever were before. Thank you, readers and writers.
Editor In Chief
IN THIS ISSUE... PAGE 1-2: THEME AND LETTER FROM THE EDITOR PAGE 3-4: IN THIS ISSUE PAGE 5-6: DEPARTMENT ACCREDITATIONS PAGE 7-10: POWER IN PANTS PAGE 11-12: PERSPECTIVES ABROAD PAGE 13-18: SYRIAN IMMIGRANTS IN AMERICA PAGE 19-30: MILLENIALS KILLED FASHION PAGE 31-32: TAKING SUMMER TO WINTER PAGE 33-34: OLD CÉLINE VS NEW CELINE PAGE 35-44: IN GOOD TASTE PAGE 45-46: TRANSPARENCY IN RETAIL PAGE 47-56: PUFF IT UP
TEAM ACCREDITATIONS Paige Venturi: Editor in Chief Sharon Hsu: President Mihir Tak: Director of Communications
DIRECTORS
Livv Reece: Director of Creative Design Christina Winfrey: Director of Editorial Madison Godfrey: Director of Marketing Arjun Madhavan: Director of Merchandising and Styling Solomon Mabry: Co-Director of Photography Lana Miramontes: Co-Director of Photography
CREATIVE DESIGN
Anne Anderson: Creative Editor Janani Appala: Layout Designer Maddie Arias: Graphic Designer Mikaela Blackwell: Layout Designer
EDITORIAL
Sarah Blau: Feature Story Writer Rin McNutt: Feature Story Writer Meagan Wilson: Feature Story Writer Heather Hudson: Staff Writer Faith Geiger: Columnist Sydney Miller: Columnist Clark Gudas: Senior Copy Editor Emily Baugh: Junior Copy Editor Kimberlyn Doane: Junior Copy Editor
PHOTOGRAPHY
Erik Romero: Full-Time Photographer Penny Bola: Part-Time Photographer
MERCHANDISING AND STYLING Anna Gebhardt: Merchandising Officer Erin Huston: Merchandising Officer Karen Koak: Merchandising Officer Dana Mularski: Merchandising Officer Kelsey Rike: Merchandising Officer Haley Kenner: Fashion Stylist Alisha Januck: Fashion Stylist Nishi Muna: Fashion Stylist Darius Rush-Williams: Fashion Stylist Mackie Schroeter: Fashion Stylist Kayla Schutter: Fashion Stylist Rebecca White: Hair and Makeup Stylist
MARKETING
Connor Garcia: Senior Social Media Coordinator Shiying Lu: Junior Social Media Coordinator Laura Sherman: Senior Event Coordinator
S FASHION MAGAZINE
Merchandisers/Stylists: Mackie Schroeter, Erin Huston, Nishi Muna, Karen Koak Models: Ana Albertini, Anna Guo, Saraye Stringer Photographer: Solomon Mabry
POWER IN PANTS By: Rin McNutt In 2015, the graduating class of Harvard University had a wonderful Senior Class Day ceremony, thanks to the fact actress, Natalie Portman, delivered their commencement speech. Behind the podium, she was wearing a green and aubergine floral a-line dress and a smile as she told the crowd something shocking. “I have to admit that today, even twelve years after graduation, I’m still insecure about my own worthiness. I have to remind myself today that ‘you are here for a reason.’” Through our eyes, and likely to the eyes of the Harvard seniors in front of her, she had every reason to believe that she belonged there. Her brilliant work in acting won her many awtards, including an Oscar, an Academy Award and two Golden Globes. She has also won prizes for her philanthropic efforts in women’s equality. Like Natalie Portman, we all doubt our self-worth sometimes. Especially in times of transition, when everything seems to be up in the air. Even though the current unemployment rate for recent college graduates is only at 2.1 percent, it is hard to imagine something as abstract and uncertain as ‘the future.’ I spoke with recent Indiana University graduate, Hunter Huddleston, about the lessons that he has learned since earning his degree in 2017. He now works for the company Orfium in video copyrighting, while also acting and producing short films. I wanted to be candid when asking questions, because emerging into the world with just a tidbit of life experience is not something that can be sugar-coated. It is difficult, and should be talked about openly and honestly so that seniors can know what to expect. A lot of fear surrounding this transition is the not knowing. To break down that barrier, I opened up with the tough question on every senior’s mind: What was your biggest obstacle? HH: “Coming from a place like Indiana, there weren’t a lot of opportunities [in the film industry.] Once I decided where I wanted to go was LA, the biggest obstacle was leaving everything I know behind, like my family and friends.” Do you have any tips for overcoming that initial feeling of displacement? HH: “Get involved in the area if you relocate. If you move to a major city, there are lots of events. Even going to locations like bars will help you make friends.” What’s advice you wish you had going into the workforce? HH: “The best thing I was taught is finding what you love to do versus just making money.” Do you still think there’s something to learn if you happen to be in a job that isn’t qualified as your dream job, but still pays well? HH: “Yeah, it can still lead to learning more. Be curious and explore if it contributes to what you want to do.”
I asked him if he had any interview tips. He said the best thing you can do during an interview is be confident. HH: “How can someone be confident in you if you’re not confident in yourself?” I found this statement to be interesting, especially since Natalie Portman got nervous addressing a class of Harvard seniors after an illustrious career, so I asked him how people can stay self-assured during interviews, especially while being asked questions about their skills and accomplishments.
A piece of advice I found particularly helpful was to be specific about your phrasing. HH: “You may not have the exact experience needed on the job description, but don’t let that deter you from speaking up about the skills that you do have, especially transferable ones that come in handy for the type of work you will be doing. The Walter Career Center is an important resource for seniors, as well as any IU student. There they can help coach you through interviews, building experiencing and resume-writing through career coaches, volunteer networks and other in-person and online resources. Is there anything else you’d like to add that we didn’t cover? HH: “I think that if you get too comfortable, that you should be worried. The scariest thing you can say to yourself is ‘what if?’”
SHOES: EXPRESS
BLAZER: EXPRESS SHOES: EXPRESS
By: Faith Geiger Every year, hundreds of IU students make the decision to fly away from the familiar and spend a semester—even a year—learning in a foreign country. According to the Office of Overseas Study website, IU is ranked seventh nationwide in the number of students studying abroad, so it’s safe to say we’re not a student body that’s scared to venture into the unknown. As IU student Sariah Borom, who participated in a service learning program in Musanze, Rwanda this past summer says, “We should all make the world our classroom...When traveling to other countries you not only get to practice what you have already learned in the real world, but you also learn with first hand situations” Anyone who has spent time abroad will tell you the experience is life-changing in one way or another. Studying in another country is an opportunity to expand your thinking, change your perspective and immerse yourself in another culture. We have a lot to learn from the cultures outside of our own bubble, whether it’s from a country as seemingly similar to ours as England or a faraway nation like Rwanda. “They taught me how to find joy within myself and not let past traumas cloud my present future,” Borom says when asked what she learned from the people of Rwanda. Experiencing another culture also comes with adapting and learning how to blend in if one so chooses, including how one dresses —because, let’s be honest, nobody wants to look like a tourist, especially not for a whole semester. When I went to Paris this past summer, I heard a lot of advice — don’t keep anything valuable in your back pocket, always say “bonjour” when you walk into a store, ask for the check or they’ll never bring it. There was one word of wisdom in particular that stood out to me: if you don’t want to look like a tourist, don’t wear shorts. Even in the hot, sweltering summer, when the metro is packed and sweaty, when shirts stick to backs, even then, the French still wear pants. Other French fashion tips included dark colors, simple styles and, when applicable, a scarf. IU student Karen Koak had a similar experience while in Paris this summer. “I basically live in leggings while in the states, but I didn’t think it was appropriate for Parisian attire,” she says. Instead, Koak says she wore “lots of black pants, blazers, and leather jackets” while abroad. On one hand, it’s not necessary to dress any certain way in a certain country. Fashion can always be diverse, and there’s always room for variation and experimentation. But it can be nice, while you’re soaking in all other aspects of a culture, like the food, the music and the language, to give the style a try too. One of the biggest honors of my time spent in Paris was occasionally being confused for a local. There’s no feeling of satisfaction like completing a grocery store transaction without the cashier speaking to you in English because she sees you’re wearing jeans and your university’s t-shirt. Borom says that in Musanze, “the overall dress was modest,” because “men catcall so boldly there” and that a woman wearing even just a v-neck t-shirt or tight pants would be “seen as a prostitute.” “If I chose to wear pants they had to be baggy and shorts were not at all an option,” she says.” The weirdest not-to-wear advice Borom was given? No blue. “The tsetse flies (which bite) were oddly attracted to the color,” she says. Sometimes, avoiding looking like a tourist can even be a matter of safety. Koak says that while she was in Paris, she and her classmates came into contact with another group of students who had been targeted by pickpockets, something her group never had to deal with. “It was interesting to hear how they were being treated because it was nothing we experienced...We believe it was because of the way we dressed compared them,” Koak says. “I feel like we just looked like a group of friends roaming the city rather than tourists.” At the end of the day, style is always a personal decision. No one can tell you what to wear, and (in most countries) there are no real laws about who can and can’t wear shorts or sneakers. But if you’re going to spend a semester in another country, why not try dressing like a local? There were days during my time in Paris where the heat almost made me say, “screw it,” and pull out my denim shorts, but there is something truly satisfying about walking the streets and knowing no one can hear your accent just by looking at your outfit. And you never know-- it could even save you your phone or wallet.
Merchandisers/Stylists: Kelsey Rike, Karen Koak, Anna Gebhardt Models: Karen Koak, Photographer: Kelsey Rike
“
STUDYING IN ANOTHER COUNTRY IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPAND YOUR THINKING, CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE AND IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ANOTHER CULTURE.
“cvcv”
THE REALITY OF SYRIAN IMMIGRANTS IN AMERICA
By: Meagan Wilson
There are a wide range of social issues which can divide opinions in contemporary politics, such as racism, religion, gender and sexuality, to name a few. One of the many pressing issues facing the U.S. is the problem of immigration, especially immigration from Middle Eastern countries such as Syria. As someone who has friends that have immigrated from Syria, and heard their harrowing stories first-hand, I myself feel very strongly in the support for the allowance of Syrian refugees into the U.S. Although the amount of opinions and data on the subject can seem overwhelming, I’ve attempted to unpack a lot of the history and rhetoric surrounding Syrian refugees in America. I cannot personally speak for any refugees or immigrants, simply because I’ve had the privilege of being born in the U.S.; I only hope to enlighten any reader who may be ignorant of the struggles Syrian refugees face, and also possibly challenge the beliefs of any reader who disagrees.
In the early spring of 2011, life in Syria went from tumultuous to deadly: the Syrian Civil War, originally springing from peaceful protests, began claiming the lives of millions of innocent Syrians and demolished once-vibrant cities such as Aleppo and Damascus. Since then, 13 million Syrians have been displaced—some within their own country, some as refugees—and are searching for safety from their war-torn homeland. 5 million of these displaced peoples have fled to other countries in the Middle East and North Africa, while 1 million have moved to Europe, primarily residing in Germany. The United States stands starkly against the European acceptance of Syrian refugees. According to AmericanResearch.org, our government has only accepted 15,583 refugees from Syria since 2016, and the current administration has consistently shown a less-than-warm welcome to these refugees. Syrians have arrived in our country, coming from the unspeakable horrors of war, and our government has presented them with bigotry and anger.
“SYRIANS HAVE ARRIVED IN OUR COUNTRY, COMING FROM THE UNSPEAKABLE HORRORS OF WAR, AND OUR GOVERNMENT HAS PRESENTED THEM WITH BIGOTRY AND ANGER.”
The main culprit of this bigotry is simply a mixture of fear and ignorance, perpetuated by very frightened, ignorant leader. When Donald Trump said in his 2015 New Hampshire speech that “[Syrian refugees] could be ISIS”, or when he imposed a ban on Muslims entering the U.S. in 2016, he made the American message to Middle Easterners and Muslims very clear: they are the ultimate culprit for terrorism and violence, mainly due to their skin color, nationality and religion. Fox News’ 2016 poll showed that 77% of their 1,016 participants found it “likely” that at least one of the Syrian refugees allowed in the country would carry out a terrorist attack. The discourse is the same every time—Syrians do not deserve asylum in our country because they could pose a “threat” to national security. Their religion is inherently violent and wrong; their way of life is too “different” from American life. As we’ve seen all throughout history, this group of people have been branded as alien, the ever-feared Other. Many U.S. citizens have been swept up by these strong emotions of fear and hate, but when looking at the stark facts, it’s clear that Syrian refugees pose no true threat to our country’s security. Although the popular rhetoric suggests that refugees from Syria can enter into the U.S. too easily, in fact it’s the opposite case: the steps to becoming a Syrian refugee are lengthy, and the whole process can take up to two years. In addition, Syrians, compared to other immigrants, have been found by American Progress polls to have relatively high incomes, and are found to integrate well into American society by entering into education and starting businesses. This paints a completely different picture from the uncooperative, terrorist Syrian refugee stereotype presented by the government. In fact, zero Syrians have been found to commit any acts of terror between 1975 and 2015, and the likelihood of any refugee engaging in any form of terrorism is 1 in 3.64 billion per year. It’s important to note that the majority of mass shootings in America between 1982 and 2018 have been carried out by white men. And these mass shootings happen far more frequently, and are much more deadly, than any terrorist attacks since 9/11. America’s entire population was founded on immigration and diversity, and to deny innocent refugees a share of our bountiful resources is un-American at best, and bigoted at worst. Even if the current administration is spreading lies about refugees—or any other group that is deemed the Other—it’s imperative to think critically and realize the truth: that Syrian refugees deserve solace, and we can provide it for them.
PHOTOGRAPHY ACCREDITATIONS:In the order in which they appear: UNHCR photo by Shawn Baldwin, A woman carries a child as migrants and refugees walk near Gevgelija, Macedonia. | Getty, A refugee centre worker has revealed incidents of death threats and harassment by migrants| Getty Images, YANNIS BEHRAKIS/REUTERS, PHILIPPE HUGUEN / AFP - Getty Images, Photograph Georgi Licovski European Pressphoto Agency (proportions altered)
Merchandisers/Stylists: Rebecca White, Karen Koak, Dana Mularski Models: Maria Pascu, Arjun Madhavan, Sydney Spilleres, Will Henderson Photographer: Erik Romero
SPORTS BRA: URBAN OUTFITTERS BOMBER JACKET: TOMMY HILFIGER
GENERATIONAL TRANSITIONS By: Sarah Blau While the pixie cut may be a haircut of the past, the brands that were at the top of the retail business during the 1950s are brands we still buy today. However, the thing that has changed is how we consume these products. The 1950s were filled with Elvis fans, “I Love Lucy” episodes and the rise of “The Retail Giant:” Sears. During this decade, the Baby Boomers transitioned from small businesses to buying their necessities from large catalogues and malls. Sears also made it accessible for more families to buy the products they needed, such as washing machines and ovens, due to its low prices compared to their competition. During the next couple decades, Sears changed the way American families bought their everyday household items. Converse also had a huge impact on families in the 1950s. Selling for four dollars a pair, Converse quickly became the “go-to” shoe. They were versatile, as athletes wore them to play basketball and artists such as Elvis wore them during performances. Although the price has shifted over the years, Converse is still a leading shoe company in today’s society. When the 1970s rolled around, Sears found it harder to stay at the top as new department stores, such as Target and Walmart, opened and quickly gained popularity, according to The Smithsonian. However, families were still heavily reliant on Sears and its products. According to The Washington Post, by this era, one out of 204 working Americans worked at Sears. Sears catalogues advertised its clothing lines in a way that made it accessible for young women to get their clothing staples such as bell bottom jeans, plaid skirts and colorful tops. While Sears had to work a little harder to maintain its spot at the top against their competition, they still remained a leading business to Generation X.
During the Generation X era, Converse came out with the iconic “One Star” shoe. While it was originally only aimed at basketball players, everyone caught onto Converse’s new shoe style. During the 1970s, the Converse brand shifted as Nike became more tailored for athletes. Converse, a brand created mostly for athletes, became more of a shoe brand for musicians and performers as the price increased over the years according to Heddels. By the end of the ‘70s, a pair of converse went for $17. During the 1990s, Sears started to see trouble in its future as their success slowly started to die down. That year, Sears lost its title as the number one retailer in the U.S to Walmart and in 1992, Sears lost nearly 4 million dollars, according to The Washington Post and CNN. Sears realized it had to shift its campaign strategies in order to save the brand. By this time, women were the leading buyers in American households, so Sears started advertising women’s clothing rather than household appliances. However, this only took them so far. In 2004, Sears merged with Kmart in hopes to revive the brand. The ‘90s for Converse consisted of competing with Nike for the top spot. However, this plan did not go over too well for Converse. In 2001, they declared bankruptcy. Nike bought the brand and in return Converse was back on the market again, according to The Idle Man. In 2000, an average pair of Converse could be bought for $30. On October 14, 2018, Sears filed for bankruptcy. The one-time “king” of the retail industry now steps down from its title as they are currently looking for a buyer. Converse today is still sold across America as one of the most popular shoe brands. Along with many other brands, Sears and Converse have remained talked about for decades. From Baby Boomers to Generation Z, these brands remained a household necessity. While Sears has taken their downfall, Converse is still continuing to rise to the top.
JUMPSUIT: URBAN OUTFITTERS
“
ON OCTOBER 14, 2018, SEARS FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY. THE ONE-TIME “KING” OF THE RETAIL INDUSTRY NOW STEPS DOWN FROM ITS TITLE AS THEY ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A BUYER.
vvvv”
JACKET: LOLLAPALOOZA SHIRT: FOREVER21 SHOES: CONVERSE ALL STARS
TRANSFORMING SUMMER CLOTHES INTO WINTER LOOKS By: Sarah Blau The transition between fall and winter for some may mean transitioning from summer clothes to winter sweaters. However, there is no need to put away your favorite tee shirts and dresses just yet. Here are 5 layering tips to help you turn your summer favorites into winter fashion: Blazers Blazers are huge this fall, as they can make any outfit look a little more professional. Throwing a blazer over a tank top will not only keep you warm, but it’s an easy outfit to throw together for an interview or a day at the office. Want to make the look a little bit more casual? Add a blazer on top of your favorite graphic tee shirt for a fun and edgy look. Jean Jackets If blazers are too professional for your style, then jean jackets are your go-to. Whether a light wash, dark wash or black or white jean jacket, these jackets can add a little more style to any look and can be paired with almost anything. Not only can you add a jean jacket on top of your favorite summer tops, but they can also be added on top of sundresses to make them a little more “fall.” Tights Even though the weather is getting a little colder, that doesn’t mean you have to stop wearing dresses and skirts. Adding sheer black tights under any dress or skirt not only adds to the look, but it will keep you warm. Throw on your favorite sundress with a jean jacket, sheer black tights with black booties, and you’re ready for a girl’s night out. Turtlenecks Turtlenecks are a staple layering piece. Wearing a turtle under dresses or with skirts is a great way to wear summer pieces in the fall. For especially cold days, pair a turtleneck under a sweater with your favorite jacket or dress a turtleneck up by wearing it under a blazar. Fluffy Jackets Fluffy Jackets are huge this fall because they not only keep you warm but they can pull any look together. These jackets can be worn over dresses, t-shirts and tanks, and they keep you warm throughout the fall. Some of the best places to get these jackets, known as puffer jackets, are from Urban Outfitters, I.AM.GIA and Asos.
Model: Rin McNutt Photographer: Livv Reece
JACKET: TARGET TURTLENECK: TARGET TIGHTS: TARGET
JACKET: AMAZON
OLD CÉLINE VS NEW CELINE By: Heather Hudson This past February, the fashion world saw the last of Phoebe Philo’s designs for Céline on the runway. LVMH announced in January this year that Philo would be replaced by Hedi Slimane and would begin working on his SS19 line. Slimane was the previous creative director of Dior Homme and Yves Saint Laurent. He became notorious for his controversial and edgy designs in the past. As soon as Slimane made his transition to Celine, he already began making changes. This included dropping the accent from the ‘E’ and designing pieces opposite of Philo’s minimalistic, reserved style. Phoebe Philo’s designs for Céline reflected the women’s empowerment movement. Her structured designs redefined power suits and women’s style. Her looks were never too revealing and were intended to make a woman feel strong. Hedi Slimane, however, is known for doing the complete opposite. His designs feature low cuts, short hemlines and high slits. His SS19 runway show was a bit of a shock for avid old Céline fans, and a bit disappointing as well. When a new creative director takes over a brand, the brand is obviously going to change. Creative designers resign often, and it’s not always bad. This change, however, was drastic. Céline went from offering minimal, classic and structured looks to offering sequined, low-cut and revealing dresses. There have been positive transitions, like when Maria Grazia Churi took over Raf Simmons’ position at Dior. If you are up-to-date in fashion news, you probably know that dropping the accent above the first “e” in Celine was Slimane’s doing, and people are upset. People have even gone out in the streets of big cities, like New York and Paris, painting the old accent on new Celine posters. Slimane also changed YSL’s logo by dropping the “Yves” and establishing the brand as Saint Laurent. Slimane tends to refine logos by removing “unnecessary” elements. Is this his way of being a minimalist? On Instagram, fashion influencers, celebrities and fans of Philo are sporting their old Céline looks in honor of the brand’s previous creative director. Several Instagram users are tagging their photos with the account @oldceline, a user dedicated to the works of Philo since 2008. The account emerged after Slimane’s debut during fashion week in September. The account already has 122,000 followers.
PHOTOGRAPHY ACCREDITATIONS: From left to right, top to bottom: CÉLINE F/W 2015-2016, Céline, Pre-Fall 2015. Ally Ertel by Zoe Ghertner.Styling: Marie Chaix., Fashion Notes | The Way We Were Old Céline vs New Celine, Fashion: Old Céline by Phoebe Philo vs New Celine by Hedi Slimane
Merchandisers/Stylists: Mackie Schroeter, Rebecca White, Karen Koak, Nishi Muna, Erin Huston, Anna Gebhardt, Kelsey Rike Models: Ronak Bos
samia, Marisa Anderson, Ray Zhang, Haley Skrezyna, Connor Garcia, Nia Rochon, Photographer: Erik Romero
DRESS: FREE PEOPLE
COAT: CACTUS FLOWER
SHIRT: TOPSHOP NECK SCARF: URBAN OUTFITTERS
DRESS: CACTUS FLOWER
PANTS: URBAN OUTFITTERS JACKET: CACTUS FLOWER
TRANSPARENCY IN RETAIL Merchandisers/Stylists: Kelsey Rike, Karen Koak Model: Tyler Stevenson Photographer: Paige Venturi
By: Heather Hudson Transparency in retail has become almost a necessity in today’s retail market. Brands are becoming more and more transparent in their pricing and it has even become somewhat of a “trend”. Several brands, specifically Tiffany & Co., Reformation and Everlane perform business and production activities in an ethical manner. If a brand wants to be both ethical and transparent, they should break down their prices, keep sustainability in mind and provide details of their business practice and values. For instance, many sustainable clothing brands or products tend to be a bit pricey, but when the costs are broken down and explained to a customer, they are more likely to make the sale. For a brand to be ethical, they should produce their clothing or product in a sustainable way, support local businesses and do something to give back to the community or environment. With climate change being an ongoing issue, and fashion being one of the highest polluting industries in the world, consumers are more aware of the brands they support and their effect on the environment.
FLEECE: PATAGONIA HAT: PATAGONIA SCARF: GLOBAL GIFTS BOOTS: DOC MARTENS
Tiffany & Co. recently released a press release stating that all their precious gems and metals would be sourced and mined in an ethical way. Global mining conditions have proven to be controversial in the past, and precious materials are not always sourced with the environment in mind. Tiffany & Co. wants to ensure its customers that they are working diligently to ensure their materials are mined in a way that supports both social and economic development. The press release was intended to provide transparency to Tiffany & Co. customers and encourage consumers to support companies that source materials in an ethical manner. In recent years, some companies have no choice but to be transparent when they don’t have the most ethical reputation. H&M, a company that has been scrutinized in the past for poor working conditions and producing offensive products, is trying to rebuild their reputation. Something I noticed recently, is that they have a “Conscious Clothing” section on their website. This is part of H&M’s attempt to come off as an ethical brand. They’re adapting to the sustainable trend, a trend popular among Millennials and Gen Zs. While H&M can’t be completely conscious due to their business model, they can at least try to attract customers who support sustainable clothing options. H&M has jumped on their opportunity to improve. Although they have made mistakes in the past, they are using their mistakes as an opportunity to change and transition to a more ethical company.
On the other hand, some brands base their business models on sustainability and transparency from the start. Brands like Reformation and Everlane are trying to change the way people buy clothes and promote the importance of supporting sustainable businesses. Reformation’s price points are on the more expensive side. Their prices reflect the level of sustainability that goes into making their products. On their website, they note that most of their fabrics are sourced in the U.S., they establish sustainable stores and they use plastic-free packaging. However, they admit to not being 100% sustainable—yet. They recognize that during production of some of their products, they are contributing greenhouse gas emissions and using water. In exchange for these emissions, they plant trees, invest in clean water solutions and purchase landfill gas offsets. In addition to these, they often collaborate with non-profit organizations that support sustainability or contribute to social issues they support. Some of the organizations they have collaborated in the past include TreePeople, American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood. Everlane is another brand actively participating in sustainability and maintaining a transparent business. Their slogan— “Everlane. Modern Basics. Radical Transparency.” I believe Everlane to be reasonably priced, especially after reading the price breakdowns they provide on their website. Their prices are remarkably low for a sustainable brand. Their denim and basic tees are lower priced than their sweaters or outerwear products. The transparency provided on their website makes me more inclined to purchase a product from them—since I know exactly what I am getting. They provide information on how their products are produced and how much each step of the process costs. Retail has a long way to go when it comes to working toward creating a sustainable and transparent industry. In a recent study posted on FashionRevolution.org, only 10 out of 150 brands received a score higher than 50% in transparency. Creating sustainable clothing can be difficult, it costs more and the process usually takes longer. However, if we want to continue to live in a healthy and safe environment, big industries and companies must change the way they produce products and recognize the impact they are able to make on making the world more eco-friendly and sustainable.
GLOBAL GIFTS “A visit to Global Gifts is a unique experience. From jewelry and home goods to toys and food items, our stores are filled with handmade, one-of-a-kind items you won’t find anywhere else. But that’s not the best part... At Global Gifts, our products are fair trade, which means that your purchase supports fair wages, gender equity and safe and dignified working conditions. Learn more about fair trade here. Global Gifts is a locally-owned nonprofit organization with four locations in central Indiana and Ohio. We are supported by a small staff and a dedicated team of volunteers. Global Gifts is committed to serving impoverished artisans and producers in the developing world by: Mission: Providing vital fair income and employment for people of limited opportunity; Marketing ethically produced and ethically obtained handmade products; Educating the public about the cultures and traditions associated with items we sell; and Helping consumers spend their shopping dollars in ways that benefit impoverished peoples around the world. History Global Gifts was founded in the early 1980s by several members of the Indianapolis First Mennonite Church. It began as a small initiative— selling crafts from the church basement and at house parties—but quickly expanded to include local bazaars and craft fairs. Taken from Global Gift’s About US from their official website www.globalgiftsft.com. Accessed December 2018.
COAT: URBAN OUTFITTERS
Merchandisers/Stylists: Anna Gebhardt, Alisha Januck, Nishi Muna Models: Darius Rush-Williams, Becky Oates, Nishi Muna Photographer: Lana Miramontes
COAT: TARGET
COAT: LUCY WANG
COAT: TARGET
COAT: TARGET